In case you hadn't noticed, there has been a rise in the United States of bad attitudes toward people of other nationalities. This is not limited to people living within this country who are viewed as "aliens" or immigrants. I have run across Americans being really rude to people who live in other countries. I could say A LOT about this subject as it is something that really puffs my tail, but I'll refrain at this time. :-)
What I thought might be interesting is to make some posts from time to time about other countries, cultures, nations, etc. Those of us who are Christians should be seeing our fellow believers in other countries (whether nationals or expats) as our fellow saints; and personally, I think it is healthy to show an interest in their culture and the things they have to deal with on a daily basis.
Strangely, it makes some professing Christians very angry when anyone says this, but: The United States of America is not God's favorite nation. Some of us are ambassadors for Christ here, and some are in other countries, but if we're saved, we're all members of the same body of Christ and this world is not our home! Praise God for that!
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
2 Corinthians 5:19-20 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Revelation 5:9-10 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
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So here is a post at another blog about what it is like to live in Malaysia. I hope you take the time to read it. I found it very interesting.
What Do You Want to Know about Malaysia? by Rachel
I really appreciate your attitude about other nationalities and ethnic groups. I enjoyed reading the information about Malaysia. I to learn new things. Thank you for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteSitM - I'm so glad you enjoyed this. My parents mostly grew up in East Africa, my grandmother was born in China, and my brother married an Australian and immigrated there, so for my family it is the norm to be interested in other cultures. I'm happy to hear that you read Rachel's post and enjoyed it. :-)
DeleteAmen! Reading this post really warmed my heart! Galatians 3:28 is another favorite of mine "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is [a]neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
ReplyDeleteI have come to love this country so much over the years, and my heart breaks for the difficulties they face--even when those difficulties are created by their own leaders, they affect the weakest and the poorest and the least-powerful the most. No matter the country, our only real chance of hope is in Christ.
I'm glad you stopped by, Rachel. And, thank you for writing the post on Malaysia in the first place. Galatians 3:28 is another good verse. Maybe I can remember to use that when I do another of these.
DeleteMy dad also has a great love for the three other countries where he has lived and is very interested in what is happening in the two where he lived the longest. There are so many sorrows and difficulties in some places that we in the States don't think about or appreciate because we don't have to deal with them. But I love what you said - no matter where, our only hope is in Christ. If we don't bring this message wherever we are, we have not offered real hope.
Mary - I never understand why a believer in and of Jesus Christ has such prejudices ... It totally breaks my heart, especially in light of the Scriptures you listed like Galatians 3:28 ... I remember siging in church that Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world... red, and yellow, black and white..... our job is do what Jesus did - and that is to love all. Thanks for sharing your neighbor at #MondayMusings
ReplyDeletePS.. if you are looking for another place to link to on Thursday's I would love if you would consider joining my new linkup #TuneInThursday - it opens Thursday 3am PST and runs through Sunday night. you can find it at debbiekitterman.com/blog (Please feel free to delete the link if you think it inappropriate).
Debbie, thank you for stopping by and commenting. I sang that same song in years gone by. :-) It is a sad puzzle that some who profess to follow Jesus Christ would despise and resent others for their nationality or color - as if He didn't create people different on purpose. I never saw a culture yet that didn't have unlovely parts to it. But thank God He commended His love to us while we were *yet sinners*. It's the least we can do for others.
DeleteAt present, it is all I can do sometimes to keep up with the linkups I'm presently doing. :-) So, thank you, but I will have to excuse myself from taking on any more for the time being.